Home/News/Proud Trump delivers patriotic July 4 speech invoking American exceptionalism as 'one of the greatest stories ever told' while he avoids politics amid a DC deluge and military flyovers and finishes with a spectacular fireworks display (92 Pics)

Proud Trump delivers patriotic July 4 speech invoking American exceptionalism as 'one of the greatest stories ever told' while he avoids politics amid a DC deluge and military flyovers and finishes with a spectacular fireworks display (92 Pics)

Donald Trump braved rainy weather to deliver a speech at his Fourth of July 'Salute to America' event from behind a panel of bulletproof glass.

The president welcomed crowds on the National Mall to a 'very special' Fourth of July holiday before launching in his pre-prepared remarks.

'Today we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America,' he told the sea of red, white and blue-clad revelers.

Trump listed off a number of American accomplishments throughout the nation's history - including the Revolutionary War, the women's suffrage movement, the Civil Rights movement - and paid special tribute to each brand of the military, which he made the focal point of the festivities.

He offered a brief history of each branch and highlighted their accomplishments between cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.

'We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag – the brave men and women of the United States military,' he said.

As he paid tribute to each branch of the service, he also mentioned the branch he wants to see created under his presidency.

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The president struck an inspirational tone as he read pre-prepared remarks from a teleprompter, declaring that 'our nation is stronger than it ever was before' and 'for Americans, nothing is impossible'

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The crowd erupted in cheers of 'U-S-A! U-S-A!' as Trump and Melania strutted onto the stage

And the president touted the crowd's size after reports Republicans were worried about light turnout due to the rainy weather and late planning with some even saying they feared a 'Trump Inauguration 2.0' when a fight broke out between the White House and press over the crowd size.

'A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument!,' the president tweeted after he left the National Mall and was back at the White House.

It was Trump's idea to have a heavy military presence during his 'Salute to America.'

He took a hand in planning the celebration - which he vowed would be the 'show of a lifetime' - pushing to have tanks on display and American military planes flying overhead - a feat he pulled off, capped with Blue Angels soaring over his head as he wrapped up his speech.

He also praised the Gold Star families in the audience, thanking them for their sacrifice, and asked people to remember law enforcement officials.

'Our nation has always honored the heroes who serve our communities. The firefighters, first responders, police, sheriffs, ICE, border patrol and all of the brave men and women of law enforcement. On this July 4th, we pay special tribute to the military service members who laid down their lives for our nation,' he said.

And he encouraged young people to join the service during his 45 minute remarks.

'To young Americans across our country, now is your chance to join our military and make a truly great statement in life,' he said.

'Our nation is its strongest today than it ever was before – it is its strongest now,' he said to great applause, resulting in the crowds cheering: 'USA, USA, USA.'

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Trump wore a navy suit, a bright red tie, an American flag pin on his lapel and shiny black patent dress shoes while Melania tempted fate - given the weather - in a fresh white frock with rainbow stripes and hot pink pointed-toe pumps

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Melania Trump (far left) joins Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen and the president's daughter Tiffany at the event

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The president stuck to a patriotic theme in his remarks

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People wave flags and take photos as they watch Trump's address on the National Mall under rainy weather

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Trump offers a salute during his Fourth of July speech

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Attendees cheered as the Blue Angels appeared

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Trump's speech was projected on a giant screen on the National Mall

His remarks were peppered with famous American names - including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, the Wright Brothers, Frederick Douglass and Amelia Earhart - as he sought to pay tribute to the country's history while emphasizing its greatness today.

He quoted Abraham Lincoln's famous 'Gettysburg Address' and said the U.S. has the government 'of, for and by the people.'

Trump, who spoke from the Lincoln Memorial, noted this was also where Martin Luther King made his famous 'I have a Dream' speech.

He spoke of the greatness of America invention – noting Alexander Bell, Red Cross founder Clara Barton, and the accomplishment of other famous Americans, adding: 'Nothing is impossible.'

Trump, who built his career on real estate, spoke of the America's construction victories like skyscrapers and bridges.

'Americans always take care of each other,' he said.

He noted this year was the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote and paid tribute to the Civil Rights movement.

Trump spoke as rain trickled down from the sky onto his festivities. Crowds still swarmed the reflecting pool around the Lincoln Memorial and there was a heavy security presence – people waited up to six blocks to get through the mags.

The president, the first to address a crowd at the National Mall on Independence Day in nearly seven decades, kept his remarks focused on patriotism after the White House defended his event as a celebration of America instead of a political rally.

'That same American spirit that emboldened our founders has kept us strong throughout our history.'

'To this date that spirit runs through the veins of every American patriot. It lives on in each and every one of you.'

'Today just as it did 243 years ago, the future of American Freedom rests on the shoulders of the men and women willing to defend it,' he added.

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Fireworks are lit near the White House during Fourth of July celebration

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Fireworks capped off the evening

Trump got an enthusiastic greeting from the crowd, who yelled 'USA, USA' as he and the first lady walked on stage.

'As long was we stay true to our cause – as long as we remember our great history – and as long as we never stop fighting for a better future – then there will e nothing that America cannot do,' he said.

'We will never forget that we are Americans and the future belongs to us. The future belongs to the brave, the strong, the proud and the free. We are one people chasing one dream and one magnificent destiny.'

At the end of his speech Trump invited the military band to play a formal rendition Lee Greenwood's Proud To Be An American – one of his favorites — as a Navy Blue Angel plane flew overhead.

He shook hands with some military officials and waved before exiting the stage.

After Trump's event, a Fourth of July concert featuring Carole King and cast members from Sesame Street took place down the National Mall at the U.S. Capitol building.

King sang 'Natural Woman' and John Stamos - the host of the 'Capitol Fourth' contest - had playful interactions with the puppet characters, which included Big Bird, Burt and Ernie.

Both events were followed by a firework display.

The display was not without controversy this year.

To accommodate the flyovers and the fireworks display, President Trump closed down Washington D.C.'s Reagan National Airport, causing several flight delays.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced that flights would be grounded from National, which is close to the center of D.C., during the flypast, from 6.15pm to 7.15pm, and for the fireworks, from 9pm to 9.45pm.

It will be the first time the airport has ever been closed for the annual July 4 fireworks, whose launch site was moved closer to the airport to accommodate Trump's speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

Instead of being launched from its traditional location alongside the Lincoln Memorial's reflecting pool, the fireworks were launched from a barge in the Potomac.

The firework display was twice as long this year after the White House got two fireworks companies to donate to the show.

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Down the mall at the U.S. Capitol, 'A Capitol Fourth' host John Stamos took a selfie with Big Bird

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The presidential Air Force One flew over the festivities as Trump arrived

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Marine One did a flyover as the US Coast Guard sang

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A view of the National Mall during Trump's speech

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Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen hold their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem

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Trump reached his hand up to the sky inspecting falling raindrops as he and Melania made their way toward the stage

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Both Trump and Melania's tresses appeared soggy from the rain by the conclusion of the president's speech

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Several attendees wore red 'Make America Great Again' caps

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The event has been dampened by inclement weather as the sky opened up two hours before it kicked off, sending thousands of revelers running for cover under umbrellas and pitched tents.

On Thursday morning the National Weather Service issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for various Maryland counties and a flash flood watch effective until 8pm in DC.

Despite the weather reports, loyal crowds still gathered on the Mall, excited to see the president's promised 'show of a lifetime' that boasted tanks parked by the Lincoln Memorial, marching bands, loyal followers and protesters with the president's 'baby blimp'.

The rain dampened the parade festivities as visitors were seen camping out with dismal expressions as they struggled to keep dry in their plastic rain ponchos and umbrellas.

Protesters were out and about during the day.

At the White House, two people were arrested for burning a flag before Trump left to give his speech.

Political activist Gregory Lee 'Joey' Johnson was one of the people taken away in handcuffs during the demonstration outside of the White House two before the president's celebration is set to kick off, someone confirmed on his Twitter account.

Johnson is a longtime member of the Revolutionary Communist Party - also known as RevCom - which organized Thursday's protest outside of the White House, where the group chanted: 'Imagine A World Without America. Fight For A World Without America!'

But, for Trump, the show went on.

Calling his event a 'Salute to America' honoring the armed forces, the president tweeted Thursday morning to say he is expecting many attendees for the event which will 'be well worth the trip and wait.'

The president wrote: 'Looks like a lot of people already heading to SALUTE TO AMERICA at Lincoln Memorial. It will be well worth the trip and wait. See you there at 6:00 P.M. Amazing music and bands. Thank you ARMY!'

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Officers extinguished the burning flag after breaking up the hoard of demonstrators

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Two people have been arrested during a flag burning protest in front of the White House ahead of Donald Trump's 'Salute to America' Fourth of July celebration in Washington, DC, on Thursday

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Don't rain on my parade! Rain has started to pour on the thousands lined up on Capitol Hill for Donald Trump's Fourth of July military parade that he boasted will be the 'show of a lifetime'. A sculpture of Trump sitting on a toilet as the downpour began pictured above

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Rain, rain go away: Fourth of July revelers decked out in red white and blue had no choice but to stand in the rain Thursday

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Stormy weather: This morning the National Weather Service issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for various Maryland counties and a flash flood watch effective until 8pm in DC

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Revelers sat down in in plastic rain ponchos in a feeble attempt to stay dry during Thursday's deluge

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This couple camped out on the ground and tried to keep dry under the shade of their umbrellas in the storm

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Drenched: This couple took cover under an umbrella after the rain began to pound down

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Just a bit of drizzle! These people didn't let the rain stop their fun and took a smiling selfie in the storm

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Poncho season! These people smiled for the camera as they sat in the rain and waited for Trump's speech

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A Bradley Fighting Vehicle pictured drenched with rain on Thursday in the deluge

Over it: This woman took cover in her red MAGA hat and blue Trump flag

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Can't stop the party: Instead of going home these folks decided to camp out and wait for the rain to pass

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The rain may affect the parade, but it seems Trump's televised speech will proceed as scheduled at 6pm

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Revelers took cover under umbrellas and hats as the rain hit the Lincoln memorial

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As marchers walked in the National Independence Day Parade, onlookers whipped out their umbrellas to block the rain

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The show must go on! The Marine Silent Drill Team pictured performing in the rain on Thursday

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Storm's brewin! The sky turned an eerie shade Thursday afternoon amid the Fourth of July festivities

Two Bradley fighting vehicles were also in place Wednesday at the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump spoke.

In addition, two 60-ton Army Abrams battle tanks were sent to Washington by rail to be positioned on or near the National Mall, to the dismay of District of Columbia officials.

Soldiers have been pictured working on an armored tanks in front of the Lincoln Memorial as other military vehicles have been pictured in the area.

Workers spent this week constructing a stage around the Lincoln Memorial where Trump spoke, while tourists wandered in between the construction to see one of the most popular monuments in the city.

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A balloon is carried in 'America's Independence Day Parade' along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC

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People gather to watch 'America's Independence Day Parade'. The president tweeted to say he is expecting big crowds in DC Thursday evening, writing: 'Looks like a lot of people already heading to SALUTE TO AMERICA at Lincoln Memorial. It will be well worth the trip and wait. See you there at 6:00 P.M. Amazing music and bands. Thank you ARMY!'

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A US Army soldier works on an armored Bradley Fighting Vehicle on display in front of the Lincoln Memorial for US Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington. The 'Salute to America' Fourth of July activities include remarks by US President Trump, a parade, military flyovers and fireworks

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US Army soldiers position a M1 Abrams main battle tank into position. Trump has promised the 'show of a lifetime' to celebrate Fourth of July where the president is scheduled to speak

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US Army soldiers walk by an armored Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Not since 1951, when President Harry Truman spoke before a large gathering on the Washington Monument grounds to mark the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, has a commander in chief made an Independence Day speech to a sizable crowd on the Mall

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Protester Jim Girvan moves a Baby Trump balloon into position before Independence Day celebrations, as those opposed to the president are ready to make their voices heard on Fourth of July

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A Trump supporter stands alongside people gathered for the Independence Day parade ahead of the president's speech

People move a statue depicting U.S. President Donald Trump sitting on a golden toilet. Anti-war group Code Pink said, as part of its protest of the president's politicization of July Fourth, it would bring the Trump Baby Blimp ballon and this 16-foot statue

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Miss Maryland, Mariela Pepin, rides in an open-top vehicle during Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations in D.C

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Crowds have lined the streets of DC for Trump's Fourth of July military parade after the president promised 'show of a lifetime' with tanks parked by the Lincoln Memorial, marching bands, loyal fans and protesters with the president's 'baby blimp'

In a sweltering capital threatened by storms, the traditional Fourth of July parade Thursday served as a warm-up act to a distinctly nontraditional evening event at the Lincoln Memorial, where President Donald Trump made plans to command the stage against the backdrop of a show of military muscle.

It's been nearly seven decades since a president spoke there on Independence Day.

Trump tweeted Thursday to say he is expecting big crowds in DC ahead of his military spectacular

The U.S. was at war in Korea when Harry Truman addressed a large gathering on the Washington Monument grounds, marking the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Military chiefs are rumored to be concerned the July Fourth extravaganza could turn out to be an overtly political affair, putting them in violation of Defense Department policy.

On Tuesday Trump had said 'the Pentagon and our great Military Leaders are thrilled' to participate.

Thursday's celebration has also been shadowed by questions about how much it will cost taxpayers.

But the president has insisted that the event will cost very little given that the military already owns the tanks and planes.

'We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door (Andrews), all we need is the fuel,' he said, referring to Maryland's Joint Base Andrews, home for some of the planes that are to fly over the Mall on Thursday. 'We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats.'

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Thunderstorms have threatened the celebrations with periods of 'torrential rain' forecast by the National Weather Service

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Trump altered the lineup by adding his speech, moving the fireworks closer to the Lincoln Memorial and summoning the tanks and warplanes. He sounded a defensive note Wednesday, tweeting the cost 'will be very little compared to what it is worth'

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In a message marking the 243rd anniversary of the Founding Fathers' adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Trump called the document a milestone that 'cast off the shackles of tyranny'

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Trump is promising the 'show of a lifetime' for the hundreds of thousands of revelers who flock to the National Mall every year. US Army soldiers are pictured positioning a M1 Abrams main battle tank into position at the Lincoln Memorial

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The tanks are in place for the display of military muscle, including this M1 Abrams main battle tank into position at the Lincoln Memorial for US Independence Day celebrations

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Under White House direction, the Pentagon was arranging for an Air Force B-2 stealth bomber and other warplanes to conduct flyovers. Soldiers work on an armored Bradley Fighting Vehicle on display in front of the Lincoln Memorial

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There will be Navy F-35 and F-18 fighter jets, the Navy Blue Angels aerobatics team, Army and Coast Guard helicopters and Marine V-22 Ospreys

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A crowd watches Independence Day celebrations in Washington. Trump set himself up to be the first president in nearly seven decades to address a crowd at the National Mall on Independence Day

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In February, Trump tweeted for the public to 'HOLD THE DATE!' for this Fourth of July and the president's supporters have welcomed his stamp on the holiday

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A participant in the the Independence Day parade holds an American flag and a picture of President Donald Trump

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People prepare a balloon for the Independence Day parade. The president has insisted the event will cost very little given that the military already owns the tanks and planes

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A jump rope team participates in 'America's Independence Day Parade'. The traditional Fourth of July parade Thursday served as a warm-up act to a distinctly nontraditional evening event at the Lincoln Memorial

Protesters unimpressed by his 'Salute to America' program inflated a roly-poly balloon depicting Trump as an angry, diaper-clad baby.

In the shadow of the Washington Monument, the anti-war organization Codepink erected a 20-foot tall 'Trump baby' balloon to protest what it called the president's co-opting of Independence Day.

But the president's supporters welcomed Trump's stamp on the holiday.

Rachel McKenna, a Trump supporter from McKinney, Texas, said her relatives have served in the military and she thought it was important to say 'We love you guys, we appreciate everything you do, and I love the fact I can see that,' as she pointed to the Bradley fighting vehicle positioned near the Lincoln Memorial.

'I've never ever seen one,' she said. 'I just think it's so cool.'

He was savagely mocked on Twitter Thursday morning for tweeting 'Aircraft One' instead of 'Air Force One' while touting the elaborate military parade plans.

The president tweeted that people would come from far and wide for the celebration 'culminating with large scale flyovers of the most modern and advanced aircraft anywhere in the World. Perhaps even Aircraft One will do a low & loud sprint over the crowd'.

The president's aircraft is known as Air Force One when he's on it, not Aircraft One.

Twitter users eviscerated the president for the slip-up, joking that Aircraft One is the unofficial name of Putin's jet.

Trump then deleted his flub tweet and posted a new one, this time calling the aircraft Air Force One.

In a message marking the 243rd anniversary of the Founding Fathers' adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Trump called the document a milestone that 'cast off the shackles of tyranny'.

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A US Marine Corps unit participates in 'America's Independence Day Parade' along Constitution Avenue

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People carry U.S. flags as they take part in a parade during Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations in Washington, D.C

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US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps participate in 'America's Independence Day Parade' along Constitution Avenue

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Independence Day revellers pose in front of a Humvee parked on a street in Washington, DC

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Two Bradley fighting vehicles were in place Wednesday at the Lincoln Memorial, where Trump will speak. In addition, two 60-ton Army Abrams battle tanks were sent to Washington by rail to be positioned on or near the National Mall, to the dismay of District of Columbia officials

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The presidential Air Force One and Marine One aircraft are also slated to make aerial appearances. White House officials have stressed that Trump's remarks will be patriotic

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Trump originally wanted a parade with military tanks and other machinery rolling through downtown Washington ever since he was enthralled by a two-hour procession of French military tanks and fighter jets in Paris on Bastille Day in July 2017

A 'Trump Baby' balloon, set up by members of the CodePink group as protesters also descend on the National Mall

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A supporter of President Donald Trump makes her way through a security checkpoint before Independence Day celebrations

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A supporter of Trump joins others to watch 'America's Independence Day Parade'. Washington has held an Independence Day celebration for decades, featuring a parade along Constitution Avenue, a concert on the Capitol lawn with music by the National Symphony Orchestra and fireworks beginning at dusk near the Washington Monument

Trump originally wanted a parade with military tanks and other machinery rolling through downtown Washington ever since he was enthralled by a two-hour procession of French military tanks and fighter jets in Paris on Bastille Day in July 2017.

Later that year Trump said he'd have a similar parade in Washington on the Fourth of July, 2018, and would 'top' the Paris show. The event ended up being pushed to Veterans Day, which conflicted with one of Trump's trips abroad, before it was scuttled after cost estimates exceeding $90 million were made public.

In February, Trump tweeted for the public to 'HOLD THE DATE!' for this Fourth of July.

Washington has held an Independence Day celebration for decades, featuring a parade along Constitution Avenue, a concert on the Capitol lawn with music by the National Symphony Orchestra and fireworks beginning at dusk near the Washington Monument.

Trump altered the lineup by adding his speech, moving the fireworks closer to the Lincoln Memorial and summoning the tanks and warplanes.

Proud Trump delivers patriotic July 4 speech invoking American exceptionalism as 'one of the greatest stories ever told' while he avoids politics amid a DC deluge and military flyovers and finishes with a spectacular fireworks display (92 Pics)
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